Altay

Basic Overview

Altay is located in northernmost Xinjiang. Famous for Kanas Lake, primitive forest, Tuva ethnic culture and stunning autumn scenery. It is paradise for nature lovers, photographers and winter skiing tourists.

Natural Landscapes

Cold temperate primeval forest, alpine lakes, snow mountains and river valleys form dream‑like natural landscape.

• Kanas Lake: Mysterious blue alpine lake surrounded by dense coniferous forest.
• Hemu Village: Primitive Tuva wooden‑house village with fairy‑tale‑like autumn views.
• Burjin River scenic belt: Grand river valley landscape.
• Keketuohai National Geopark: Spectacular mine‑valley and mountain scenery.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Sites focus on primitive forest village culture and nomadic heritage.

• Hemu & Kanas Tuva Villages: Preserved original residential settlements of Tuva people.
• Altay Museum: Displays local nomadic cultural relics.
• Ancient rock painting sites: Prehistoric rock art distributed in mountain valleys.
• Kazakh winter pasture relics: Traditional nomadic seasonal migration sites.

Local Culture Experiences

Get close to primitive forest village life, nomadic custom and amazing outdoor scenery.

• Visit Tuva villages, see local wooden‑house architecture and folk lifestyle.
• Hike or drive around Kanas Lake to enjoy forest‑lake views.
• Experience Kazakh nomad culture: stay in yurts, watch horse‑racing games.
• In winter, enjoy high‑quality alpine skiing in Altay ski resorts.

Local Cuisine

Forest and nomadic‑style food, meat, wild mushroom and dairy products stand out.

• Boiled mutton of Altay pasture: Fresh grass‑fed mutton.
• Wild mushroom stew: Delicious dish using local forest wild mushrooms.
• Nomadic dairy series: cheese, milk tea.
• Hand‑made flat bread baked over fire.

Recommended Itinerary

• Day1‑2: Kanas scenic zone & Hemu Village sightseeing
• Day3: Keketuohai Geopark
• Day4: Return to Altay downtown

Travel Tips

Best travel time: September‑October for golden autumn; December‑February for skiing. Prepare thick warm clothes.